Even though we aren’t accepting any more films for this year we still would love to see you there! You can still benefit from everything EIFF has to offer. Join us and get access to networking and learning opportunties a plenty!
Categories /Genres
All awards will be presented at the festival’s closing gala.
All films selected for screening will be eligible for our Best in Category Awards which are decided by a jury of industry experts.
In addition to the Best in Category awards, EIFF will also present a number of special awards.
Category Awards
- Best Drama
- Best Comedy
- Best Horror / Thriller
- Best LGBTQ+
- Best Documentary
- Best Animation
- Best Experimental
- Best Sci-Fi
- Best Student Film
Special Awards
All selected films will be automatically considered for the following:
- Best International Short
- Best UK Short
- Best Essex Short (Essex Films only)
- Best Actor
- Best Actress
- Best Director
- Best Cinematographer
Plus
All category award winners will automatically be considered for:
The Boudica – Film of the Festival Award.
If your film has an Essex connection (through cast, crew, location or subject matter) it will automatically be entered for the ‘Best Essex Short’ and in addition it will be considered for the ‘Made in Essex’ programme which will screen at The Curzon Cinema, Colchester opening gala and across the county in selected satellite venues.
If your film has an Essex connection and you would like to be considered for the additional ‘Made in Essex Programme’ please state this with an explanation alongside your submission.
- The festival accepts only short films (20 minutes and under).
- Entry fees are non-refundable.
- There are no completion date requirements, but films completed in the three years prior to the festival are preferred.
- Films must be submitted in their original language, with English subtitles if not in English.
- It is the responsibility of the filmmaker to clear all rights for their film.
- The festival reserves the right to disqualify any film that is not in compliance with the rules and regulations.
- The festival will not be responsible for any damage or loss of the films during the selection or screening process.
- The festival will notify all entrants of the selection results by email.
- The festival may request additional materials from selected films such as press kits, posters, and photos for promotional purposes.
- The festival may use clips from the films for promotional purposes.
- All submissions are watched in their entirety and given the full attention of our team of programmers.
- The date of submission has no reflection on our selection decisions.
Made in Essex Program
Even though we aren’t accepting any more films for this year we still would love to see you there! You can still benefit from everything EIFF has to offer. Join us and get access to networking and learning opportunties a plenty!
